Mets wine and dine Cano’s agent, Jay-Z

NEW YORK (AP) — Jay Z, the new agent for Robinson Cano, had dinner Monday night with top officials of the New York Mets.

Chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon and general manager Sandy Alderson were among those at the dinner. The get-together also included sports agent Brodie Van Wagenen, but not Cano.

A five-time All-Star second baseman, Cano is a free agent. He is seeking a 10-year contract for more than $300 million from the Yankees. Alderson said last week he doubted the Mets would offer any nine-figure contracts.

"They requested a meeting," Alderson said Tuesday. "We talked generally and that was it. As I said, we were approached. Having said last week that I didn't foresee contracts in the $100 million range for the Mets this season, I think that statement still attains. On the other hand, we are committed to improving the team and we will explore whatever possibilities arise, however remote an eventual outcome."

Alderson called it "a very preliminary meeting" and said it included a PowerPoint, books and pamphlets.

"We certainly have a high regard for Robinson Cano as a player," he said. "It was my sense the presentation was a little bit overdone."

A-Rod’s grievance

Yankees President Randy Levine headed to Major League Baseball’s office to testify Tuesday at Alex Rodriguez’s grievance hearing to overturn his 211-game suspension.

The hearing resumed Monday before arbitrator Fredric Horowitz, who presided over the 10th session Tuesday. Horowitz also heard the case from Sept. 30-Oct. 3 and Oct. 15-18. MLB and the players’ association appear to be trying to finish testimony before Thanksgiving, and it remained unclear whether the Yankees’ third baseman would testify.

Rodriguez was suspended for 211 games by MLB on Aug. 5 for alleged violations of the sport’s drug agreement and labor contract, and the union filed the grievance.